Impacts of Globalisation upon Children
Children are the future of every nation, yet they form one of the most vulnerable sections of the society. Childhood is a fragile phase where one needs proper care along with accurate guidance at every step to be able to successfully master the art of living. Children are a sensitive node in the contention of globalisation as they are highly receptive to new technologies, new openings and new horizons. They are easily attracted to the flamboyance presented by the new-age practices. The age of globalisation is getting fostered with the growth of social networking. However in case of children, unless proper parental vigil and guidance is given, many children fall prey to malicious content and are exposed to sites and places meant only for adults. This not only hampers their thought process temporarily but can also make them habituated.
Every child is a clear reflection of the environment in which he or she is being brought up. Home and school form the first learning centres along with the society and people at large with whom they interact on a daily basis. Both family and school are in turn influenced by the values, laws, customs and policies prevalent in the society. As latter are the first to get impacted by the globalisation so the effect trickles down to children via multiple sources.
Indian society has always been highly protective about their children. Parents provide for their needs and desires much longer than that in western nations where children after a suitable age are made to fend for themselves by engaging in various jobs and occupations.
Education
It is the globalisation which has revolutionised lifestyles of children by giving them more avenues for learning, jobs and other amenities in life. Children have become more aware of the progress happening in and around the world due to the ease of access to internet and related technologies. Children are now more open to pursuing their studies in foreign lands than ever before. For those who cannot afford the huge fees of international campuses, there are options of online degrees. Likewise, the internet has expanded the horizon of thought as children now don’t just rely on books but prefer smart learning methods. Many Indian universities host student exchange programs under which students can complete a part of their curriculum abroad. Likewise, many foreign universities have also opened campuses on Indian soils to make the whole process more affordable to Indian population.
Life-style
Globalisation has left a mark on all aspects ranging from clothing, food, mobility, communication, awareness, etc. Indian children are now more future ready, they are much more exposed to the latest developments of the world, they are not averse to technology, they have become more decisive in small everyday matters and above all they are being born in times where change is the norm and thus are highly ambitious and progressive. Globalisation has impacted every aspect of student life. The influx of new-age communication technologies has revolutionised the entire social ecosystem. Social networking in addition to bringing people close has bitten into the precious time of young children. Long sitting hours in front of computers or other handhelds has not only ripped them of their physical activity but also has deleterious effect on their mental health. In addition, children have become used to taking unhealthy junk food over the home-made food which has fed many generations of Indians. Thus, the westernisation is evident in clothing styles of children. This is right to the extent that the children stay grounded in their ethos of Indian culture and don’t drift away while forgetting their roots completely. Although knowledge of global life-styles is essential for raising complete individuals who are ready to face all global challenges yet there has to be a line which has to be drawn. Proper parental guidance and care is needed at each and every step to ward off all the vices while filtering the good aspects of globalisation.
However, the impact is not the same for children living below the poverty line who are still denied the basic amenities in life. The government of the land has directed many schemes for their welfare yet it is the implementation lag which causes of a heavy drag on the benefits. These children can see development happening around them but are too far to taste the same. The culprit is the widening income gap between the rich and the poor.
